A match
Madden Heaven

DERRY City’s stylish right-back, Simon Madden, will experience mixed emotions at the Brandywell this evening as he could well find himself marking his older brother, Glenn, who plays on the Bluebell United’s left flank!

And with the Madden family also arriving in force for this Ford FAI Cup third round clash, it’s believed a split has already appeared in the camp. (7.45 p.m.)

“There’s a few of them coming up alright,” confirmed Simon last night. “But all family ties will be set aside for the 90 minutes,” he laughed.

However, the popular “Candy Stripe” warned against the dangers of complacency having regularly watched his elder sibling play for the Leinster Senior League side.

“They have a few players who have played in the League of Ireland Premier Division such as striker, Trevor Molloy, Mark Rooney and keeper, Andy McNulty, so we can’t afford to take anything for granted.

“Add in they faced Athlone Town in the last round and drew 2-2 before Bluebell progressed in the replay, which they won 3-2 after extra time. That match was also played in Athlone,” he noted.

“So with Athlone leading the First Division, we really need to be focused if we are to get through to the quarter-finals.”

With brother Glenn considered a versatile performer, Simon didn’t know what position he would be playing tonight.

“He can play in central midfield, at left-back or on the left-wing, so I’m not sure where he will be playing but it’s certainly something for me to think about. It will be different facing Glenn in a highly competitive match but I’m really looking forward to the game.

“We’ve had a few disappointing results in the league, so the cup will be a welcome break and with 27 points to play for between now and the end of the season, we haven’t given up on anything just yet,” he concluded.